Mr. Funny Pants

Will is on a roll lately... the kid keeps cracking us up. Here are a few Will stories...

We were at the grocery store this weekend while Grandshe was in town. Will was pushing a little cart and told my mom he needed to grab a big green pepper. She told him it wasn't on the list, he then informed Grandshe he needed it for his pepper collection. Who knew?!

While we were heading home from the grocery store Will asked if I could turn on the Monkees because Grandshe doesn't know that song.... Never mind The Monkees were a band before Will (or I) were born.

Over Thanksgiving break Josie asked Grandshe to teach her how to knit. Grandshe got out the crochet hooks and some yarn. Will grabbed it all and started to "knit". He let us all know he was working on a blanket. He insisted on finishing his blanket before he got in the tub.  He was "knitting" for almost an hour.  Then once we got him in the tub, he kept making us check on his knitting needles because he could "hear" someone playing with his needles.

Will wasn't listening to us the other day. We reminded him mom and dad are the boss. Will let us know that Josie is actually the boss. The next day he insisted on wearing a red shirt handed down to him from his sister that says, "I may be little, but I'm the boss."

While I was cooking with the kids, Will asked when he can cook with the big black knives. I told him when he's 16. Then he said, "Why can't I cook with the knives before I can drive?!" After that convo he asked me, "Where is my head?!" when he couldn't find a toy.

Will has really gotten into football lately... Billy couldn't be happier. We were watching a game and he asked when he can go to a real live Irish football game. He was asking for the 100th time when we were at Grandpa's house. I told him to ask Grandpa because that's his best bet of getting to go. He climbed into Grandpa's lap. Gave a hug and kiss, really working his magic. Then in his deep scratchy voice he made his request... how could Grandpa say no?!

Matching Beards!

Half way through Project: Give Thanks

This Thanksgiving we are doing a family project. We are doing acts of kindness each day of the month to show people we are thankful for them. Project: Give Thanks 2012 is half way done and so I thought I'd list what we've done so far.

1: We made cards for Children's Cancer Connection. Hopefully the kid's hospital stay was brighten by our cards, pictures, and stickers. We received a very nice card back from CCC thanking us. 

2: The crossing guard up the street was our target. This is where the idea for the project was created. Each day we pass the crossing guard at the neighborhood school on our way to Josie's school. We always talk about how she protects the kids and keeps them safe. So we decorated a bag and filled it with cookies, kleenex, and hot cocoa. She was so surprised by our gift. She thanked us over and over. When she said, "but you don't even know me." Josie said, "Yes we do, we see you everyday taking care of the kids." Melted me. 

3: Ring Bells for RKR. This was awesome. I've been working on the Red Kettle Run for The Salvation Army since April. It was a fun run to kick off the kettle season and bring awareness to what all The Salvation Army does in our community. The kids rang bells and cheered on the runners. Will was so adorable. Every runner he yelled, "Good Job, keep going, all the way to the clock." He really was getting into it!

4: Sunday School Teachers. We did bags with tiny flower pots in them with decorated cards. Josie walked into her class and said loud and clear, "I'm thankful for you!" to both teachers. One started to cry. This thankful stuff is easy, fun, and rewarding!

5: Doctor Beebe got a bag of fun from the Bemis kids. Homemade yummies, tissues, hand sanitizer, etc... With 3 kids we know the doctor office well... too well. We needed to tell them we appreciate all they do for us. She was thrilled. 

6: All of our teachers. I say ALL because Josie has 4 teachers in her class, the boys have two, plus an awesome preschool director to boot. We gave our last bag of treats for the week but in this one we also put Junior League Gift Mart tickets in there too! I am required to buy so many tickets as a member. Last year I brought a bunch of friends with me to the event, but this year my schedule wasn't looking good. So we decided to give them all away. The boys' teachers all were excited to go!

7: Clive Librarians. We go to the library almost every week. Even when we don't have story time we find ourselves there to check out books and play with the toys. The librarians are always so sweet and the free programs they offer are awesome. The boys brought them a big vase of flowers to say thank you. I get such a kick out of them saying, "We're thankful for you!" It NEVER gets old. 

8: Over 30 cards in the mail... this took some time. The kids wrote on most cards and the ones they didn't they helped stamp. It felt good to send some love to our friends and family.

9: Food Pantry donation. Will & Ben's gymnastics were doing a can good drive for the food pantry. By participating we got a free open gym pass... Winner winner chicken dinner! I read an article about the need for protein and kid friendly foods. So I let them each pick something out they like at the store then added some tuna for good measure. 10 can goods later we were set!

10: Postal Carrier. This was a shout out to our Grandshe. We gave a small box of chocolates with a card to the carrier. The boys sat by the mailbox for a good 15minutes just to make sure she got it. 

11: Hospital visit. We created a very large basket of yummies for the NICU nurses at Blank Hospital. Those nurses will always have a special place in our hearts thanks for the wonderful care they gave the first 12 days of the boys lives. When each kid said why they were thankful I felt tears in my eyes. 

12: Make Dad lunch. We've been working so hard to show others we are thankful for them, we didn't recognize what's right in front of us! Our number one supporter in all that each of us does! It was a simple gesture that went a long way... he used that paper bag to carry his lunch in ALL week. Proud daddy. 

13: Good Friends! We made brownies for our besties. The kids all had teacher conferences within a week. The conferences never last long and seem silly to have a sitter drive all the way over here (none of our sitters live near us!) for 45minutes of watching the kids. What do you do when you need help?! Ask good friends to come to the rescue :)

14: Baby shower. A neighbor decided to have a baby shower for a girl who is young and pregnant. She doesn't have a support system and needed help with the bare necessities. We purchased an outfit, diapers, and wipes to contribute to the gifts they were putting together for this soon-to-be mom. 

15: Kindness goes a long way. The boys brought flowers to the receptionist at the Chiropractor office. This mom of 3 tends to need adjustments and never gives a lot of warning on when I can come in. Amanda always gets me in right away, which is awesome. But her attitude to everyone who comes through the door is kind. It's the little things in life that are easy to take for granted. So today we thanked someone for being kind hearted. 

 Picture we used for our cards. 

 Crossing Guard package

Dr. Beebe's care package 

Ben and Will getting ready to deliver a flower and card to Amanda 

Waiting for the Postal Carrier 

Will was determined to carry this basket all the way to the NICU 

Getting ready to deliver diapers, wipes, and outfit

Wonderful Will

Will loves to get a laugh out of his audience. Once he does, he'll repeat the comedy act over and over. The other day we were playing outside. Josie created a game where her and Ben were good guy pirates. She offered up the role of 3rd good guy pirate to which Will informed her "I'm with Mom. I'm her sidekick, Mr. Funnypants." It was very matter-of-factly. I couldn't help but crack up. So then Will kept saying "Call me Mr. Funnypants!" in his deeper baritone voice. The kid can pretty much make anything sound hilarious when he uses that determined deep voice.

Tonight Will was asking Billy and I the name of each president from their president flash cards. We enjoyed this game too because we would try to tell him by just looking at the picture not the name on the opposite side. Then he decided to pull a fast one and opened up his bug flash cards. Will ran them over to us (we were cleaning up dinner) and asked what president is this?! That Will is President Caterpillar. Oh the laughs he got on that one. We then had President Black Widow Spider followed by my personal favorite President Moth. Oh Mr. Funnypants.

Lastly, When Ben got his pink tutu to be Gloria the hippo for Halloween, Will requested a green tutu. He told me he would be Incredible Hulk with it.

This morning Will told me he was on Team Purple. It was two seconds before he ran down the hall to wrestle his brother. 

Pink is Perfect!

Over the past six months Ben has started to really enjoy the color pink and all things that go with it. He likes dresses. He likes princesses. To be honest he can rock a hair bow better than most girls his age. I know there are some that wouldn't approve of a little boy being into girly things, but we decided long ago that if our kids are happy we are doing the right thing. We pride ourselves on allowing our kids to be different. Different is good, right? If we were all the same what would the world be like? - These are questions we reiterate a lot in our house.

Note: we aren't new to this whole concept of wearing clothes generally made for the opposite gender. Josie at about the same age decided she preferred to wear boy clothes. But society seems a little more relaxed when it's a girl wearing a jersey and ball cap (Tomboy) versus a little guy rocking a hot pink dress.

For Halloween Ben wanted to be Gloria the Hippo from Madagascar. We never tried to talk him into being something else. Ben loved being Gloria (which by the way, wasn't much of a costume because the hat I ordered two weeks ago never showed up, but that's another story). Gray sweats, a tutu, and ballerina slippers was all there was to his costume and he was happy.

Maybe Ben's pink phase is just that... a phase. Or maybe in 30 years he'll still be rocking the color pink. Either way, Ben (just like Will and Josie) will always have his mom and dad's support. Pink is Perfect!

 Marty the Zebra and Gloria the Hippo

Play time! 

Big weeks for Bemis Boys

A few weeks ago (I'm a little behind on posts!) the boys went to the Dentist for the first time. It was the usual apprehensiveness from Will. The jump right in with both feet for Ben. I love that they are their own persons. The boys did a great job and got a good check up. High Fives all around.

That same week we went to the Circus! Billy and I can't remember if we went to the circus when we were younger... so this may have been a first for all five of us. Either way, it was fun. The kids sat in awe through the whole show. The cotton candy and popcorn helped. They loved the horses, camels, clowns, and dogs. Yes, there was a dog show.

Last week we had another week of firsts. I'm not sure if this first is something I should brag about. I will admit it's my fault that it happened too. We were at gymnastics getting ready to leave. I knew it'd be a bit before we'd get to have a potty break. I asked them who wants to go potty. Ben replied, "ummmm probably no." I smirked so then Will repeated the statement in a goofy voice to get the same response from me. (Always good for a laugh these two) So then I switched my tactic to one I knew would work and said, "Who wants to be first?!" It worked like a charm, they both ran to the potty. As they ran they stared to yell who was first and it was getting ugly as their voices rose higher with determination. I knew I needed a solution. I didn't want a scene. So... I taught them how to sword fight. They each stood at one side of the potty and took aim. It was working, both were happy they were first.  I apologize in advance to anyone who takes them to the potty in the near future.

Speaking of Gymnastics... they are having a blast! The same day as the sword story, they got to do the big trampoline with the support rope. I am sure there is a proper term for it, but I don't know it. See pictures below!

Another first from last week, the boys joined Josie and I for their first Friday Funday at the Playhouse. It was Chicken Little. They did such a good job. I'm so excited they can start joining Josie and me on these fun outings!

Ben, Josie, and Will at the circus!

Ben the brave... first boy in the chair.

Will was ready after he knew what to do.

The videos are of Ben at Gymnastics. Will was the very first to go, so I wasn't ready to record yet!

Ben 3 year old facts

Here are a few of Ben's favorite things:

Favorite cuddly thing: Minnie Mouse pillow
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite song: I am the walrus by The Beatles
Favorite toy: Cell phones
Favorite place: Apple orchard
Favorite movie: Toy Story 3
Favorite book: Look and Find books

 Handsome boy with his favorite color 

Monkeying around Ben

Will 3 year old facts

Here are a few of Will's favorite things....

Favorite cuddly thing: green blanket
Favorite ice cream: green ice cream (usually mint)
Favorite song: What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Favorite toy: Incredible Hulk
Favorite place: Orange Leaf (new yogurt spot)
Favorite movie: Madagascar 3
Favorite book: Race Cars ready set go! or How do dinosaurs say I love you

Will my serious boy with mischievous eyes 

Goofy Will on the left, Jos, and Ben 

Two by Two

That's how they marched into Preschool....two by two. Our first week was awesome! While we still have some bouts of separation anxiety, the boys walked into Seeds of Faith like they owned the place. They were excited to go. They were devastated today when they didn't have school. We are off to a great start, much better than last year!

Last year's kick off to preschool was long and difficult. The boys had to learn that mama always comes back. And that's just what we've said for a year. It's our mantra. I think it gives me as much comfort as it does them. They no longer fear I won't return. It's sweet to feel so loved, especially since one day Will and Ben (and Josie too) will want not as much to do with me!

This week I was reminded to savor these moments. The boys are now in the yellow duck class. It's weird for me to think that Josie was a yellow duck when she started preschool, stopped going to daycare, and I officially started staying home full time. How did I blink and now it is Will and Ben's turn to be in the same class?! I had the same feeling come over me today when we started our third session of music class. I remembered how we had to bring the double stroller in every week, rain or snow, or sun that's how we had to roll at the time. When the boys raced to the door of music this morning I thought, "We've come a long way boys!"

High Five Brothers.

Will and Ben heading into Preschool to meet their teachers.  

 Example of how they ran into Music class today... (Ben top pic)

Official First Day of 3year old Preschool... Go Yellow Ducks (Will on Left, Ben on right)

We are 3!

The boys turned three on August 17th. We started celebrating on the 12th and didn't stop till the 19th. While I'm still trying to figure out where to put all their new toys, we sure had fun!

Here are some photos....

Celebrating with cousin Maeve

Presents (aka Chaos!)

Mickey & Minnie Mouse Birthday

Yummies!

Will looks like a natural on Porky

Ben loved Jessie

Mom and Will doubling up

 For three years I've carried two boys...  (Ben Left, Will Right)

Our balloon birthday surprise. 

Birthday breakfast at My Favorite Muffin

On their birthday they did gymnastics all by themselves! 

Birthday party in Omaha! (Ben Left, Will Right)

They look a lot alike here

More presents! 

Facing our Fears

The boys have developed a fear of dogs. It used to be manageable but for some reason (that we haven't pinpointed) it has become unbearable. They scream a high pitch scream, shake in fear, and jump on me faster than I can say "it's a nice dog!" The freaking out is as recent as this week.

We went to a friend's house who had a small dog. The boys panicked and the poor dog had to be put in the kennel (behind three closed doors) until we left. They thought they heard the dog coming and went into panic mode. The next day they got out of the car in our garage and a dog was on a leash across the street and they headed for the hills. My heart aches for them to have this fear. As their mom, I want to take all their worries away. I know I can't fix it instantly, but we are working on it!

I mentioned to our friend Eric, who trains dogs to help others, about the boys fear. Eric said let's go for ice cream! Not only was the ice cream delicious, it was the best thing we could have done to help the boys.

Eric knows what he is doing. He picked the ice cream store because it was a neutral playing field. We weren't entering the house that has a dog. We were going for ice cream with a dog. If you are 2, even if you have a fear of dogs, this is a cool thing. We met Archer and Eric in the parking lot. We let Josie approach Archer first. Archer is the sweetest black lab service dog on Earth. The boys saw how much fun Josie was having and decided to come closer for a pet. They did good for a few minutes then Archer moved his head slightly towards them and the boys panicked. I didn't realize this, but Eric was right on it and moved Archer so he couldn't face the boys.

We went in for ice cream and by the end the boys were smiling and excited to be by Archer. We talked a lot about how Archer is a service dog and what that means. I think Josie got the most out of that conversation... Ben's big take-a-way was Archer was allowed in the store. They were so calm and fearless. I was beaming for them.

Additionally, Josie has decided she'll be working for Eric when she's older, like 10.

Thanks Eric!

Ben, Josie, and Will with Archer 

Learning about Archer

It's a Twin thing...

I've always heard about twins having a sixth sense . I've seen our boys show some examples of this, but nothing like the other day. Ben has been a little under the weather this week. One day he was crying because his tummy hurt. He just wasn't well. As I was dealing with comforting Ben, Will kept falling on the floor. He was fussing... and not just crocodile tears for attention as they both sometimes do. Finally I grabbed Will and frustratedly said, "Will what is your problem?!" To which he looked me in the eyes and said, "I hurt when Ben hurts. I am sad." That's when I realized those were real tears. Tears in pain, not tears that are for attention.

I should also say, Ben's medicine is kicking in and we have a follow up appointment next week. Let's hope for all of our sake he is back to his crazy pink loving self soon!

Happy Weekend Everyone...

Will & Ben

Sweet Boys

I took these two pictures yesterday to test out our new camera. There was approximately 2 minutes in between the adorable picture of Josie, Will, Billy, and Ben snuggling and the picture of Ben bouncing on Will. Boys will be boys. 

New Do!

The boys shaggy hair needed to be trimmed up. One day I felt like I kept swooping their bangs to the side. By night time I was done swooping and moved onto something a little more permanent. They look like Pebble Flinstone, but it worked. The next day they requested pony tails and I decided we need to move get those bangs out of their eyes. While Josie was at Playhouse camp on her birthday the boys, dad, and I went to get the much needed trim. They both did really well, but it was funny to see how opposite they can be. Ben hopped into the chair without hesitating. He sat still and calm. Will wouldn't go first and NEEDED to sit on Dad's lap.

Looking good boys!

                                     

Will and Ben at bedtime

                                       

Will, me, Jules, and Ben

Looking good boys.... lollipops too!

Will and Ben at Josie's birthday party

Wild Wild Will

 Will showing Ben some love and sharing his car. 

Ben and Will playing on mom's iPad. Will is definitely techie. 

Will in Grandpa's chair. He loves this spot.  

Ready for the pool!

Will is in love with jumping off things. He tries to jump off the couch, bed, or stairs before I catch him and say no. We made a deal that he could jump two steps on the stairs. One day last week I rounded the corner to Will attempting to jump four steps high. Will is the only one who has had stitches and I'm pretty sure he'll break a bone if he doesn't listen to me sooner than later. How many times do I need to read "No more monkeys jumping on the bed" before it sticks!?

Will was so excited on the way down to KC he refused to take a nap. He was bouncing off his car seat. We weren't too concerned as we knew he would eventually fall asleep. That is until we heard, "tickle tickle Ben. Ben wake up!" Will figured if he couldn't sleep nobody should! When we went to the Great Wolf Lodge, Will was in his glory. He absolutely loved the water slides. For three hours straight one of us caught Will at the bottom of the toddler water slide and he would march back up to the top by himself and do it again.

While he can come across as so confident in this rambunctious moments, he is more timid than his brother in social settings. He'd prefer to have mom or dad right by his side when we are out. Recently I noticed it isn't even us so much that he needs, sometimes he just needs Ben. Last week at school when I said good bye I noticed Will grabbed Ben's hand. It melted my heart and made me so happy to realize he could find the needed comfort in his sidekick. Later in the week, his teacher told me that normally the boys don't care where they sit at snack time. But Will was positive that he needed to sit next to Ben. The teacher had to move a kid over and slide another chair next to Ben to make it happen.

Love you William!

Benny loves Pink!

Best Day Ever. PINK day! Ben on right

Evidence of love for pink shirt, KC croquet at GG's

Sideline cheering on siblings

Fun in the fountains

After nap, laying in his monkey pj's

Will, Ben, Grandpa, and Jos on Saturday

This update is all about Ben. A couple of weeks ago the color pink was the color of the day at preschool. This meant the boys got to wear pink and bring a pink item to share with the class. Pink (and purple) are Ben's favorite colors. He was thrilled for color day! Ben had a hard time deciding what to bring... pink high heels or a pink princess light?! After much debate, he decided to go with the light. It really was the right choice. All the two year old ladies totally dug it. He also got to wear his sister's pink car shirt that he has been eyeing since Grammy got it for her. You could tell he was in heaven... in fact he has worn said pink shirt pretty much every day it's clean since. Except for today... Today he spent the day in a pink robe. The kids decided to run through the sprinklers at 10am. Afterwards I grabbed towels and the robe. I figured it'd keep someone warm while I changed the other kids. Once Ben put on the robe, he wasn't going to take it off. Why not?! It's mother's day, if I could get away with wearing a robe outside all day I would!

Ben is definitely my kid. Comfort is key. Every nap time, literally every day, Ben insists on putting his pajamas on. I used to fight it, I didn't want to deal with more clothes in one day. But in an effort of picking my battles, I figure why not let him... again if I could, I would!

We spent last weekend in KC. It was such a fun time with friends and family bonding. We stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge. The water park was amazing. Ben went down the slide one time then decided he was happy cheering on his brother and sister. He sat on the side of the pool completely content watching them. It was so sweet. He'd clap for them and say "Go Will go! Good job Jos!" If he wasn't on the sideline, he was playing in the fountain. That was more his style.

Love you Benny boy.